New York

30 August 2014

The UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) reports that, early this morning, UN Position 69 was fired upon by armed elements. The Mission’s Force Reaction Group has been deployed to the position and all 32 Filipino personnel from this position have been extricated and are now safe.

UNDOF reports that armed elements also attacked UN Position 68 with mortar and heavy machine gun fire. The UN peacekeepers returned fire and prevented the attackers from entering the position. Position 68 is currently under fire, preventing the personnel from moving out.

UNDOF has also withdrawn personnel from Observation Post 52 as a precautionary measure after firing in their vicinity.

We are still working towards the safe release of the detained 44 Fijian peacekeepers from Position 27.